What’s the cost of having an aggressive dog, not properly restraining your dog, or not taking reasonable actions to prevent a dog bite? According to a new report released by the Insurance Information Institute (III), the average cost of a dog bite claim in 2010 for the pet’s owner is $26,166.
While the number of dog bite claims nationally has dropped by about five percent in the last year, the cost of dog bite claims has risen by 37 percent in the last eight years. In Indiana, there were 114 dog bite claims at the cost of $1.4 million.
Why so much? A serious dog bite requires medical attention and could lead to scarring, complications like infections, and emotional trauma. In addition, a serious dog bite could also involve lost wages and property damage. All and all, treating and recovering from a dog bite can be expensive, and the pet’s owner or the property owner is often responsible for the incident and injury.
What can you do to prevent your dog from harming others? Be sure to follow all leash laws and keep your dog either restrained or enclosed in your yard at all times. Be sure to socialize your dog and train it to act appropriately toward humans. Be especially careful when exposing your dog to children.
What should you do if you have been attacked and bitten by someone else’s dog? Seek treatment for your dog bite immediately to prevent infection and minimize scarring. After your health is taken care of, speak with an Indiana dog bite attorney about your case.
